A Teachable Spirit

Updated on March 24, 2013

A Teachable Teacher

As a writer, I typically don’t like to write something until I’ve researched it thoroughly, setting the self-expectation that what I write won’t need to be revised over and over again. There’s a high accountability put on writers because what is written will, no doubt, plant a seed that will stay within the readers’ minds and influence their lives in some significant way. I revere James 3:5, which states “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”

When I labor over understanding scripture(s) I try not to write about the subject until I feel I’m ready. What I’ve discovered is, the Lord births the concept; I get inspired to write about it, and no sooner than I’ve published the material, He continues to reveal more and more. Truly, there are a few difficult subjects I’ve written about that required not only courage to write, but willingness to edit as the Lord leads. My goal is to keep my hubs as accurate as possible, with the up-to-the-minute understanding by the Holy Spirit. As students in the Lord, learning will continue until the day we die, at which time 1 Cor 13:12 states we will know all things, even as we are known.

The quest for knowledge is noble, for Hosea 4:6 tells us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest” (Rev 1:6; 5:11). In our walk with God we will consistently struggle between carnal understanding and spiritual understanding. There is only one, absolute truth. Even the disciples couldn’t help but understand things Jesus said with a carnal mind. In Luke 24:45, it was Jesus who “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Without the Spirit of Christ we cannot possibly understand them.

As readers, we know there are many authors out there that have written books and articles over the years. Some will admit when something they once held true is no longer embraced (like Perry Stone), which shows great humility. Others refuse to budge from what they’ve written to save face. That is pride and is not of God. While striving for knowledge is good, there is a danger of pride (1 Cor 8:1). And if one only seeks knowledge without the help of the Holy Spirit he will be “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 3:7).

Theology

Does a person need to have a theology degree to study and write on the things of God? With tools such as the Strongs Exhaustive Concordance, Bible dictionaries, lexicons, and commentaries, even the lay person can study to show himself approved (2 Tim 2:15). Unfortunately, every school of theology leans toward a particular doctrine, whether Catholicism or Calivinism, for example. Even those with doctorate and post-doctorate degrees still struggle with attaining absolute truth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned well as a lay person, it is truly much easier to become indoctrinated than to undo indoctrination.

Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth about these things:

1 Cor 1:12 “For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas [Peter]’ and ‘I of Christ’ [meaning only the ‘red letters’ and nothing else]. Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.” Truly, as believers, we are baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus and no one else! (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5)

1 Cor 3:4 “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul’, and another, ‘I am of Apollos’,are you not mere men What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, butGod who causes the growth.”

As we grow in the knowledge of God, we’re going to be given stronger ‘food’. Though we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word (1 Pet 2:2), we are not to remain as babes, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14). There will come a point when we have to be willing and able to receive strong meat. “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

1 John 2:17 is the TRUTH:"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."

Iron Sharpens Iron

Reading and studying the Word is not only imperative to test the knowledge of others, but even the knowledge we think we have (Acts 17:11). Shedding indoctrination is not an easy task. Confusion is not of God (1 Cor 14:33). He wills to guide us into all truth, according to John 16:13. Does this mean we shouldn’t teach or preach until we’ve arrived to the full knowledge of the truth? No. It means we do the very best we can with what God chooses to reveal to us. God has been faithful, in using my fellow saints and by His Spirit, to continually sharpen me. If I find I am even slightly off the path, I will CHANGE (repent) and make it right as soon as possible. This may require edit after edit, but when His peace is finally present, I will rest.

I appreciate my readers, and also thank you for your patience with me over the years. As I get excited to see growth in my fellow hubbers, I hope you also get excited to see growth in me. We should never stagnate, thinking ‘I’ve arrived’, but should remain open to continued learning.

It’s been a joy for me to see others here on HubPages ‘change’ their long-held beliefs when they get enlightened by the Word. Likewise, I have changed some of my long-held beliefs due to studying the Word for myself, rather than solely leaning on those with theology degrees and indoctrinated opinions.

Prov 15:12 states, “A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 tell us “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” If we don’t want to be teachable, receive reproof, be corrected or trained, the Word of God will not be welcome in our lives. Truly, “iron sharpens iron” (Prov 27:17) and “in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Prov 11:14).

Keep on pressing on, as I shall. Thank you for being my brothers and sisters, fellow servants in the Lord and in His Word. God bless you, as you bless me!

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Comments 51 comments

I truly agree with you, we continue to learn and mature, and sometimes our staunchest positions on a topic or subject is derived from trial and error. I certainly know about that. I love this hub and appreciate you for sharing it.

God Bless,

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Thank you, brother Wehzo (so GOOD to see you!). I appreciate your encouragement and compassion. I truly pray whatever I do brings glory to the Lord ~ dying to self and allowing Him to live through me (Gal 2:20), as imperfect as I am. In my weakness He is glorified (2 Cor 12:9); praise God! Bless you always.

RevLady 5 years ago from Lantana, Florida

A so agree with all of the inspiration and truth emanating from this hub JD. Growth is a continuous process and we never arrive. As Israel developed, so did their thought. As we move from Genesis to Malachi, we see thought development so clearly and when we cross into the New Testament, we see ongoing growth in Christian understanding. It continues. No one has a monopoly of God's truth, it is too vast. Yet, He continues to reveal His truth as we are able to receive. All glory to His name. Voted up and beautiful!

Forever His

FriendofTruth 5 years ago from Michigan

Amen Judah's Daughter...I agree, humility is such an important key to being teachable and correctable. Sometimes it hurts to learn more truth because we know we are responsible for that information and on what affect it will have on our lives. But it is so amazing how God continues to pour out His grace so that we can change and do His will and have the strength and courage to do so.

Blessings to you!

ladyt11 5 years ago

Hi Judah's daughter! I just love the word of God and I know you do too! God is so awesome and like you stated in your hub I also have changed some of my long held beliefs once I dig into the scriptures and find that my belief is unfounded or not supported in the word. When you (study)like a worker, with the help of the Holy Spirit you will be able to rightly divide the word of God and that is liberating. I call my bible my building manual. When you buy a car you study the manual so that you know how it works and what you have to do to keep it going. All the gadgets, etc, you gain an understanding of what you have. The same way with the word of God, if you want to know and understand how you work and how to handle yourself and all that life throws at you, you go to your maker, Jesus and his word, your manual and the only way to do that is to study, open up your heart and trust God to reveal himself to you. I really enjoyed this hub, Thank you and God bless!

exjwlaurie 5 years ago

Up and awesome Sister JD!

You once again show such a beautiful heart and a beautiful spirit here!

I understand so well on a personal level what you are saying regarding indoctrination! OH My My! Those words rang so true to my heart!

Every day God helps to reveal to me a new truth to help counteract the effects of what now seems like a different "lifetime" of learning. Spiritual growth comes at the pace we are ready for!

I love how you brought forth the example of Jesus and his apostles--here, they were with him, personally observing Jesus throughout his ministry--even still he had to open THEIR minds so that ''they" could fully understand the Scriptures! How much more so must 'we' always PRAY that we are not deceived--even by our own thinking and reasoning.

God is so patient with us! It is no wonder we LOVE Him SOOO MUCH!

God Bless you Sister--this is a really wonderful hub! =)

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Thank you, all of you, my dear sisters and brothers! I am rushing off to work this morning and will respond to each of you this evening. I love you dearly!!

Dave Mathews 5 years ago from NORTH YORK,ONTARIO,CANADA

Judah's Daughter: I have no doctorate, no formal training whatsoever in theology. What I do have though is a thirst and a hunger to better know and understand My Heavenly Father Almighty God, and my Brothers Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.

When I write discussing the scriptures, it is not I writing, it is not my thoughts or words that fill my page. My Brother Holy Spirit simply suggests a topic, guides me to various applicable scriptures, and then fills my mind with My Father God's thoughts and words as He desires things to be revealed and my fingers star to fly across the keys of my keyboard. Often I have no idea what it is I am typing or what idea is being expressed, and my fingers simply fly, ever so quickly over the keys. It is only when I stop to do a spell check or to correct the grammar or punctuation that I am truly aware of what I have written. God's words simply flow though me his child.

James 5 years ago

Nice hub,thanks for the lessons

Tamarajo 5 years ago from Southern Minnesota

Amen. Always growing and learning.

VOICE CIW 5 years ago

God bless you Judah's Daughter, this is a beautiful hub. We learn from the Word and we grow in the Word. Like Paul said we have not attained perfection, but we must follow after perfection until we grab hold of that purpose Jesus has for our life. I, too, have been corrected many times and I have to accept that sometimes I am wrong. That is how we learn, from each other. I have said before that I believe you are very knowledgeable in the Word of God, because when it comes to the Word of God, like you say, you are thorough. I thank God for the Saints (christians) of God, my fellow Christian hubbers, as well as God, we need each other. Stay blessed, I love you in the Lord.

Silver Poet 5 years ago from the computer of a midwestern American writer

You're right: you don't need a degree to write or study about God and life in general. Thanks for the good hub.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi sister RevLady, AMEN. When we see the Bible as a whole, we gain much more understanding by its living, breathing inspiration. The Old Testament is not 'easy' to read, and many stay in the New Testament, lacking that greater revelation of truth. It tells us the end from the beginning ~ God is so good! In this life we will never 'arrive', but we will mature, praise God! I love your studies, inspiration and ministry in writing. God bless you!

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi ladyt11! AMEN again! You know, it's kind of painful when we find out something we've believed so long is not actually according to the Word. While many don't want to take on what seems a 'boring' book, there is reward in reading it and taking it in! Even a mustard seed of truth grows in our understanding, and as we continue to read that understanding is confirmed! So beautiful, indeed! It truly is LIBERATING (I love that you have experienced this as well), for the doctrines of men seem to stifle, rather than liberate. Yes, I love your analogy that the Bible is our instruction manual ~ it was written for US ~ a book of LOVE! Love you so much ~ and bless you as you continue growing in His Word.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi Dave! I must say that I praise God that He gradually gives us the discernment to know if what is of indoctrination what is of His Spirit; amen. I am encouraged to see how the Lord recently revealed to you Who the Rock of the Church is, and with that Light of Truth you have shined it into the darkness! May He continue to shine His Light upon you and through you, as you continue to grow in the knowledge of His Word.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi James! Thank you so much. I am thankful you were blessed by this hub. God bless you.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

VOICE CIW, yes brother ~ we are one in the Spirit of our LORD. Your heart for God is great, and I admire your strong ministry and spirit of boldness. I also admire that you are humble and teachable, as all true followers of Christ and His Word. I so appreciate your love and encouragement, and I bless you with the same, in His Name!

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Ms Dee, you are a jewel in His crown ~ you are such a blessing to me, as we correspond back and forth, sharpening each other in the knowledge of the Word. You've seen me struggle between carnal and Spiritual understanding and your long-suffering is a beautiful fruit of love to me, in our Lord. I am thankful for you sister. God bless you always!!!

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi Silver Poet! AMEN again and again! Adam and Eve had no theology degree, and Jesus did not CHOOSE the 'wise' of this world, even the religious leaders of the synagogue, as His followers, for 'rocks' are not moldable ~ clay is (Jer 18:6). He is the Potter and takes away our hearts of stone and gives us hearts of flesh (Ez 11:19). Truly, God chooses the 'foolish' and 'weak' things of this world to confound the 'wise' and 'strong'(1 Cor 1:27). This gives Him all the glory! Keep on pressing on in the faith and be encouraged!! (Phil 3:12-14)

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

FriendofTruth ~ I so love your name here on HubPages. Isn't it amazing that God is our friend? (James 2:23) It's even more amazing that there is no greater love (agape) than for one to lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). We are friends of the Truth and love the Truth! That is a true sign of a sheep. Because there are false shepherds out there, we will not know the TRUTH, if we don't KNOW the Truth, for God does not lie (Tit 1:2; 1 Pet 2:22).

Praise Him for His grace, for it is sufficient for us, and His power is made in perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). What a Savior!!

The Lord just took me to 1 John 2:17, which I must add to this hub: "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."

Thank you, kashmir56! It's a comfort to me that so many can relate to these things. I appreciate the encouragement in the Lord ~ God bless you!

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi sister exjwlaurie! Praise God! You know, it's almost like we grow to an 'age' of 'maturity', when we are 'able' to receive and digest the deeper things of God. Since the time we are re-born, we are fed bits and peices of truth and bits and pieces of error. I believe this is a picture (though not the only one) of the 'tares' among the 'wheat'. It is S/seed that grows each plant and they grow and look so much alike. While the wheat feeds and gives life, weeds breed quickly and choke off the life. Praise God we know the Gardener! Our Lord will not let His children be deceived, and for this reason, only those who love darkness will be turned over to it (2 Tim 2:10-12). Those who love the Light will keep on growing up into it ~ more and more and more. What a beautiful Light we have, freely given to us. As we receive more Light, we shine more Light ~ and that means all the more darkness will be exposed. God isn't finished shining His Light in this world ~ and all the more as His return is very near. Your ministry is a blessing to me. God is using you mightily. I love you in His love, sister.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Sister Tamarajo ~ thank you for coming by to read and relate, amen! The ministry of the LORD is beautiful through you and your writings. May God continue to shine His Light to you, in you and through you!

heart4theword 5 years ago from hub

I appreciate that you are studious, because I am no theologian. It is helpful to learn from those who know how to study the Bible. Listening for the Holy Spirit's Guidance is also most helpful:)

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Thank you, heart4theword ~ I appreciate your encouragement. I figure, whether people read and agree, disagree, or ponder ~ I pray whatever I write as a result of my own ponderings and study, will bring edification to my readers and glory to my Lord. You are a blessing!

drpastorcarlotta 5 years ago from BREAKOUT MINISTRIES, INC. KC

Thank you Jesus, when I seen this, I almost passed out! lol, lol, because I just wrote a Hub titled A Teacable Attitude. Your AWESOME and God is AWESOME in you!! Voted-UP! and Awesome!!!!! God Bless you my friend!

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

I'll have to get over there to read your latest, sister drpastorcarlotta! I praise God for your excitement in the Lord and how you consistently edify others. I pray you are also edified!! Keep His LIGHT shining brightly and don't you let Satan snuff it out!!

emichael 5 years ago from New Orleans

"And if one only seeks knowledge without the help of the Holy Spirit he will be 'always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth' (2 Tim 3:7)."

Can't tell you how many times I have hit this brick wall in talking with people. They tell me that I an irrational in my beliefs, I tell them they're right and that is pretty much the end of that conversation :) There is little rational about what Christian's believe. To try very hard to argue otherwise is silly.

As long as a person insists on testing every little thing through to tiny fires of their petty understanding, they will never except the truth of scripture. It's an all-encompasing and absolute truth that squashes those tiny fires and leaves nonbelievers fumbling in the darkness. Until a person is ready to admit to the possibility of a truth that defies human logic, there can be no understanding for that person.

It is frustrating, but ultimately it brings us as believers into closer reliance upon God. Because it forces us to remember that it is not the believer who causes another to believe. Only God can do that.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi brother emichael, AMEN! You know, it's hard enough for US to be teachable, wrestling with the Truth over our indoctrination, birthed by the opinions and vast interpretation differences out there. God's knowledge is so far above our natural understanding, and for this we fully must rely on Him with all that we are and will be. He is yet creating us and transforming us into the image of Christ, the image of the invisible God (Spirit). This is part of the revelation given me that I hold to with all my heart. If He is faithful to Teach us and open our minds to understand what cannot otherwise be understood, He is faithful to each and every one that seeks with submission and is able and willing to receive. What a beautiful and wonderful, awesome God and Savior we have. Bless Him always and forever. God bless you as you continue to share the Truth, for what is of the Truth will not fade away. Never will it return to Him void. It will accomplish ALL that He sent it forth to do. He loves us dearly. Thank you so much.

afro's mistake 5 years ago from dorothys kansas

I was wondering... do you even make new hubs anymore? 0.o

I dont usually to be honest, but i havnt heard from you in a while

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi little brother!! OH ~ I will be writing again...The LORD's had me moving since mid-June and what a 'joy' (lol) ~ no days off work either. I pretty much have time to check in and respond to comments and enjoy reading to take a 'break' from it all...keep me in your prayers. God is good; amen! I miss you, too. It brings a great smile to my face to hear from you!! Stay blessed in His wonderful care. Your big sis, JD

afro's mistake 5 years ago from dorothys kansas

lol you made my day :)

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

I'm glad, brother! You make my day, too!!

Artin2010 5 years ago from Northwestern Florida, Gulfcoast

Hello Judah's Daughter, I know, where the --- you been Art? lol It's a long story. Good to be back and as always wonderful to read your hubs. Staying in the blessing of Gods grace all the way to the last day.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Well it's a great blessing to see you again, Artin2010! I, too have somewhat 'disappeared' for the last couple of months due to a move (buried in busy and boxes), but am finally settled; praise God! I trust you are doing well in the care of our great God. Stay blessed and know you are loved!!

Disappearinghead 5 years ago from Wales, UK

So true JD. You are so right in the observation that it is easier to become indoctrinated than to escape a indoctrination.

Whatever flavour of bible college one might choose to go to, the teaching will be skewed towards the doctrines and beliefs of that church's organisation. The fact that there have been 40,000 denominations tells us that not every doctrine can be true. Can we therefore trust all the doctrines from those with Theology degrees?

For 23 years in the Church I accepted a doctrine, then tried to find scriptural evidence to support it, which is not the right method for finding truth. Though I have Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering, I ignored my training to take nothing on face value. We must always put aside all preconceptions, and look for the evidence of a doctrine objectively, dispassionately with no personal agenda.

I love the promise to teach us personally that He gave us in John 6:45 and John 14:26.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Yes and amen, Disappearinghead! I think what shocked me the most in my research is the knowledge of the Textus Receptus corruption that influenced the translations of every bible out there today. I believe this is why it is written in the Law of the LORD, that two or three witnesses are required to establish a truth or accusation.

For instance, Matt 28:19 has no second witness in the entire Bible. Likewise, the Greek words "we will come" [eleusometha] and "we will make" [poi?sometha] used in John 14:23 are never used in any other text of the New Testament. And we all know about the 'Comma Johanneum' [1 John 5:7] insertion.

Once the can of worms is opened, and we realize we've been swayed by a very powerful 'doctrine' MODIFIED by those who declare themselves 'the vicegerent of God upon earth', so that they are 'able to modify, declare, or interpret even divine laws', that's outrageous. Ref: http://www.lightministries.com/id523.htm

What it DOES do, is cause us to rely on the Holy Spirit even more, being careful of what we 'read' in English or any language other than the Hebrew/Greek; learn to study and test everything that doesn't align or have a second witness. Oh, the confusion ever present in these last days. When the truth is seen as blasphemy, we know something's gravely wrong.

I thoroughly appreciate your comment and say, "God bless you!!"

Eddie-Perkins 5 years ago

Thank you so much Judah’s Daughter for writing. You can’t teach someone who already knows everything and if you already know everything you can’t learn anything new. I constantly remind myself that I must be teachable – teachable by the Spirit of God through the Word of God. Yes, I do check conclusions against what others have to say, but I always go to the Word of God first. Thank you again for blessing me today. Vote up

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

You know, brother Eddie, the hardest part about enlightenment/understanding from the Lord is sharing it with others that are not ready to learn; nor do I appear teachable when I choose not to compromise. Both 'sides' certainly may feel 'God showed me this and I'm not budging'...

Either way, God knows the hearts/motives of teachers and those who make declarative statements. I think of Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction."

and

Titus 2:15 "These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you." It certainly does NOT say "Agree with everyone and their interpretation, so as not to cause offense, for God gives a different revelation to everyone."

We are fellow bond-servants in the spreading of the gospel and the teaching the Lord calls us to do. It's not an easy task, receiving correction from the Lord. He's corrected me and it was exhausting asking all my questions and waiting on answers; then the answers I received birthing more questions and so forth. Breaking indoctrination ~ that is a tough one that only the Lord can accomplish in us.

Stick to the Word, yes. And stay open to the "understanding" of it, according to Luke 24:45. If we could just read and understand the written language alone, we would have no need for the Lord to reveal its meaning, amen? God love ya! Thank you so much for your blessed encouragement.

SirDent 5 years ago

Eddie commented for me. I knowe there have been times that I had to eat my words because of pride and thinking I knew it all. We just need to keep ourselves humble and know that we know very little. I love this hub.

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Yes, we can relate as followers of Christ, can't we? Amen. I think of the Apostle Paul's humble words in 1 Cor 2:2 "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." Yet, put that simple message in some groups and even that truth would be hated and not tolerated...we simply must speak as the Lord leads and know it's not going to be received by everyone, and indeed some will hate our message. I admire that you at least plant seeds, brother Dent and you know when it's time to move on (wisdom). Those seeds will not go unwatered, for the Word of God will not return void. I know you share out of love and so do all of us, when we share by the leading of Christ alone. God bless you.

zzron 5 years ago from Houston, TX.

Please send me the link to your hub about this, I can't find it thanks. If you have a Bible, read Romans chaper 1. It's pretty clear. I also have a hub on this subject that goes into the aspect of judging homosexuals, the element of choice, and addresses the question of whether a practicing homosexual can also be a Christian. I wish I had written the hub as an answer to your question, but it's been published for awhile. I would leave the link here for you, but I think it's against HubPages' policy. I hope Romans 1 will give you the answers you seek.

Thank you for the kind words JD, I really like reading your hubs. They are awesome! Glad to hear you've made it through the valley and are back in the groove with us too! Blessings n Prayers...

Judah's Daughter 5 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Hi brother Artin2010, I so appreciate your kindness and loving support. There have been some subjects I've written on that don't agree with some of the 'giant', traditional teachings in the Catholic or Protestant doctrines and for this reason I've seen 'followers' leave and some added. I suppose if I wrote to please everyone I would be concerned about pleasing people, which would compromise my search for truth and sharing what I learn. I do hope God is glorified in everything I write, both challenging and confirming to those who read my publications. I do hope to start writing more soon; I've had quite a challenging few months beginning with a move, a court victory, the birth of a grandchild, and the good ol' fall sickness. I appreciate the prayers and support of my brothers and sisters in Christ and God's faithfulness to be with me every step of the way. Much love and continued blessings to you!! I enjoy your hubs as well!!!

L7 4 years ago

Amen. :)

Judah's Daughter 4 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Bless your heart, L7 ~ Always wonderful to see you!

RonElFran 3 years ago from Mechanicsburg, PA

I like your emphasis on shedding indoctrination. Unless we get into the word for ourselves, we may never even realize we've been indoctrinated. The key is to let Scripture speak for itself, rather than us filtering through our preexisting notions. Not always easy, but the Holy Spirit can steer us past our indoctrination as we study. Thanks for a good hub.

Judah's Daughter 3 years ago from Roseville, CA Author

Amen, RonElFran, people didn't have Bibles until the 15th century, mainly because they were prevented from having them, which gave the Popes and clergy the monopoly on indoctrination. Unfortunately, many of the Reformers till practice and teach some of those "indoctinated" teachings to this day. Praise God for the Holy Spirit, for those who martyred themselves to publish the Bible and get it out to the sheep have spared the flock!

It's also important that we study the history of many of the so-called church customs and where they came from, especially when they are called an abomination in the Bible or not mentioned in the Bible at all. Oh, that the Word open our eyes and set us free from ignorance and the worship of Baal. God bless you, and thank you for reading and commenting.